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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This leans heavily into the realm of dark romance with fantasy elements rather than dark fantasy. The book's primary focus is on the intense and tumultuous relationship between Jane and Soren, leaving world-building and broader storylines in the background. If you’re looking for a story where romance takes center stage and fantasy serves as an intriguing backdrop, this book might be just what you're looking for. Especially if you love all the red flags.
Initially, I found it challenging to engage with the story, as it introduced somewhat familiar characters whose primary focus seemed to be their instant attraction to one another despite their circumstances. For someone who prefers a slower build-up and logical progression in relationships, this sudden chemistry in a perilous situation was hard to grasp. However, once Jane and Soren began to trust each other, the story became more enticing, though Soren’s character remained problematic for me. His backstory attempts to justify his actions, but I struggled to find him likable due to his often cruel behavior.
The audiobook format was great with dual narration enhancing the story. However, the additional noises and music at the beginning of each chapter were occasionally distracting, leaving me unsure if they enhanced or detracted from the story.
The book makes an attempt to provide a fresh twist on familiar tropes, ie pirates and sirens. But it just feels like a contemporary biker/mafia romance to me. I will say that I was far more interested in the softer relationship between side characters because it seemed to have genuine emotion - still red flags though.
Overall, this book is tailored for readers who relish dark, intense romances and morally dark characters. If you're a fan of mafia or biker romances looking to venture into fantasy, this novel will likely be a satisfying read. However, if you prefer more traditional fantasy with extensive world-building and a balanced plot, you might find this book a bit lacking in those areas.
Thanks to the author and her team for providing an ALC. All opinions are honest and voluntary.
Initially, I found it challenging to engage with the story, as it introduced somewhat familiar characters whose primary focus seemed to be their instant attraction to one another despite their circumstances. For someone who prefers a slower build-up and logical progression in relationships, this sudden chemistry in a perilous situation was hard to grasp. However, once Jane and Soren began to trust each other, the story became more enticing, though Soren’s character remained problematic for me. His backstory attempts to justify his actions, but I struggled to find him likable due to his often cruel behavior.
The audiobook format was great with dual narration enhancing the story. However, the additional noises and music at the beginning of each chapter were occasionally distracting, leaving me unsure if they enhanced or detracted from the story.
The book makes an attempt to provide a fresh twist on familiar tropes, ie pirates and sirens. But it just feels like a contemporary biker/mafia romance to me. I will say that I was far more interested in the softer relationship between side characters because it seemed to have genuine emotion - still red flags though.
Overall, this book is tailored for readers who relish dark, intense romances and morally dark characters. If you're a fan of mafia or biker romances looking to venture into fantasy, this novel will likely be a satisfying read. However, if you prefer more traditional fantasy with extensive world-building and a balanced plot, you might find this book a bit lacking in those areas.
Thanks to the author and her team for providing an ALC. All opinions are honest and voluntary.
This was an amazing arc given to me by @breysbooktours in exchange for a review. Dark fantasy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, it’s all there. Exciting, adventurous and whew, steamy! I am here for it and I can’t wait for the next one.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
*Advanced audiobook review*
The Secrets of Jane: Forgotten by Charlotte Mallory
Book one in the Improper Bastards duology
I was provided with an advanced listener copy of this book but, surprise! It was released early so you can now access it on Audible! It's also available on KU and in paperback if you prefer to read rather than listen.
BLURB:
"He's a Mercenary with powers that allow him feel the hearts / desires / fears of others.
She's his target, and must guard her identity at all costs.
My village is aflame, and a deadly legend becomes my captor.
I’m to appear before the most elite faction of mercenaries and warlords, commanded to answer for a crime they refuse to explain. Even if my only guess for why they want me is wrong, they cannot have me. I’ve sworn to never return to Skull’s Row, home to thieves and killers; the graveyard of my childhood.
He plans to unbury every memory until my soul is stripped bare: Soren, my captor, is strangely fascinated by me. By what I hide. Of the scars I have.
I’m unwillingly drawn to him. To his brutality. He harbors the same viciousness that coats my veins. He even seems persistent in taking me for himself…
He’ll either be my reckoning, or my undoing.
This Dark Fantasy Romance is a Duet full of foul language, sensual scenes, and improper bastards"
I had not previously read this story so it was new to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Some light magical themes, mostly mystery, suspense, action, and spice 🌶🌶🌶!
I thought the narrators did a great job with the characters and love that they each consistently played the male/female parts. I've listened to some audiobooks where if the male narrator is reading his chapter, he will also read for the female dialog and I don't care for that. This narration is shared which helped keep the characters consistent.
There are some effects added occasionally which I feel ambivalent about. I've never listened to a dramatized narration before, I don't think this is technically considered dramatized though. The added sound effects were so random and spread out that they were mostly distracting and felt unnecessary. However, it didn't make me enjoy the story any less.
This is a fun mystery with lots of spice and banter. I'm looking forward to the sequel! I'm hoping for some pirate action in the next book!
Thanks Charlotte Mallory and Baddie for providing me with a copy of this audiobook! My opinion is given freely and honeslty.
The Secrets of Jane: Forgotten by Charlotte Mallory
Book one in the Improper Bastards duology
I was provided with an advanced listener copy of this book but, surprise! It was released early so you can now access it on Audible! It's also available on KU and in paperback if you prefer to read rather than listen.
BLURB:
"He's a Mercenary with powers that allow him feel the hearts / desires / fears of others.
She's his target, and must guard her identity at all costs.
My village is aflame, and a deadly legend becomes my captor.
I’m to appear before the most elite faction of mercenaries and warlords, commanded to answer for a crime they refuse to explain. Even if my only guess for why they want me is wrong, they cannot have me. I’ve sworn to never return to Skull’s Row, home to thieves and killers; the graveyard of my childhood.
He plans to unbury every memory until my soul is stripped bare: Soren, my captor, is strangely fascinated by me. By what I hide. Of the scars I have.
I’m unwillingly drawn to him. To his brutality. He harbors the same viciousness that coats my veins. He even seems persistent in taking me for himself…
He’ll either be my reckoning, or my undoing.
This Dark Fantasy Romance is a Duet full of foul language, sensual scenes, and improper bastards"
I had not previously read this story so it was new to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Some light magical themes, mostly mystery, suspense, action, and spice 🌶🌶🌶!
I thought the narrators did a great job with the characters and love that they each consistently played the male/female parts. I've listened to some audiobooks where if the male narrator is reading his chapter, he will also read for the female dialog and I don't care for that. This narration is shared which helped keep the characters consistent.
There are some effects added occasionally which I feel ambivalent about. I've never listened to a dramatized narration before, I don't think this is technically considered dramatized though. The added sound effects were so random and spread out that they were mostly distracting and felt unnecessary. However, it didn't make me enjoy the story any less.
This is a fun mystery with lots of spice and banter. I'm looking forward to the sequel! I'm hoping for some pirate action in the next book!
Thanks Charlotte Mallory and Baddie for providing me with a copy of this audiobook! My opinion is given freely and honeslty.
I enjoyed this story! A little frustrated that I went to read book 2 since it ended on a cliffhanger, but not seeing that it is published yet. Whyyyy do I keep doing this to myself?
More of a review coming later …
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Speechless
The ending should absolutely be illegal. I’ve been staring off into space trying to come to terms with it.
This was beyond amazing. I loved Jane and Soren. The tension and chemistry between them was insane. The banter between them was ‘chef’s kiss.’
Soren’s obsession with Jane is something I love when it comes to romance. He has so many layers that I can’t wait to explore more of. I really want to learn more about his past.
Jane was a beautiful, strong FMC. She took no flack, and held back no punches. The internal struggles she faced after meeting Soren really gave a deep look into her character. She doesn’t trust easy, which is to be expected. So watching her struggle with trusting others and divulging her secrets was interesting to watch. And I loved her friendship with Kathleen.
The story definitely lived up to its name. Jane was like a dormant volcano of secrets, waiting to become active. And Soren was more than willing to burn in the fire for them.
The world building was amazing too. I loved the whole idea of Zenith’s and Skulls Row. There was a lot of care put into it, which I appreciate. Everything was so engaging; plot, characters, and world.
Can’t wait for the next book. There’s so much left to explore and discover.
The ending should absolutely be illegal. I’ve been staring off into space trying to come to terms with it.
This was beyond amazing. I loved Jane and Soren. The tension and chemistry between them was insane. The banter between them was ‘chef’s kiss.’
Soren’s obsession with Jane is something I love when it comes to romance. He has so many layers that I can’t wait to explore more of. I really want to learn more about his past.
Jane was a beautiful, strong FMC. She took no flack, and held back no punches. The internal struggles she faced after meeting Soren really gave a deep look into her character. She doesn’t trust easy, which is to be expected. So watching her struggle with trusting others and divulging her secrets was interesting to watch. And I loved her friendship with Kathleen.
The story definitely lived up to its name. Jane was like a dormant volcano of secrets, waiting to become active. And Soren was more than willing to burn in the fire for them.
The world building was amazing too. I loved the whole idea of Zenith’s and Skulls Row. There was a lot of care put into it, which I appreciate. Everything was so engaging; plot, characters, and world.
Can’t wait for the next book. There’s so much left to explore and discover.
This book was an excellent dark fantasy book. The plot kept me wanting more and the world building was good but not overwhelming like in some fantasy books. I also loved that Jane was fierce af and wasn’t afraid to fight. Soren is ruthless and brutal and we love him for it! Let me tell you, the tension is REAL between the two as well. I am excited to read the next book to see where the storyline goes from here.
Oh my god! I loved this book!! So many plot twists!! And that cliffhanger ending